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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to the Indiana Hoosiers

By Rees Woodcock

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 18: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after a play during the second half in the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on February 18, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 18: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after a play during the second half in the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on February 18, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Feb 18, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Matthew Mayer (24) dribbless the ball while Indiana Hoosiers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (1) defends in the first half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Matthew Mayer (24) dribbless the ball while Indiana Hoosiers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (1) defends in the first half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Matthew Mayer was sensational for the Illini

In the first game back in January, Illinois had Matthew Mayer on the court for 22 minutes, but he was sick in this game, and he couldn’t perform or play up to his capabilities.

Mayer was fully healthy and back in action against Indiana on Saturday. You could tell he was back to his old self, as he would play well and put up some big numbers.

When the final horn blew, Mayer would finish with 24 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks while going 7-of-17 from the field and 4-of-11 from three-point range. He also made some big free throws down the stretch and would go 6-of-7 from the charity stripe.

Illinois took Indiana to the brink on Saturday, and it had a lot to do with Mayer playing well. He draws so much attention wherever he is on the court.

Mayer’s three-point shooting ability draws players out of the paint. This opens Dain Dainja and driving lanes for teammates. Mayer can also drive to the hoop and finish or draw contact. This was valuable when Illinois needed points late in the game.

The Illini missed a healthy Mayer in game one. In game two, he showed why he is so important to this program. I can’t wait for everyone to be back and for Illinois to make a run in the postseason.

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